While the use of natural herbs to improve one’s health has recently enjoyed a surge in popularity, the health benefits of natural herbs has been known throughout the world since prehistoric times. Many people throughout history have used herbs as medicines. Ancient histories describe medicinal uses for many different herbs, and many of those same herbs are used today to treat the same ailments. Modern chemical drugs and medicine are based quite a bit on early herbal medicine practices, and many of our drugs have extracts or essences of plants as some of their key ingredients. While chemical drugs have overshadowed herbal medicines in the modern era, many people are beginning to see the health benefits of natural herbs, especially when applied to a holistic wellness approach.

Understanding what herbs are and their known benefits may encourage you to begin to use these natural elements to increase your own wellness. The particular herbs used to tread medical conditions in ancient times often depended on the local vegetation, but with our global economy, it is much easier to access herbs from all over the world. Herbs come from leafy plants and many are used to flavor foods. However, some of these same herbs can have wonderful effects on the body. For instance, garlic can cause a modest reduction in high blood pressure, and green tea and Oolong tea can have been shown to cut the risks of getting high blood pressure up to 65%.

The health benefits of natural herbs for diabetes have also been researched, and Gymnema has been shown to stimulate the pancreas so that more insulin is produced. In addition, Fenugreek, which was used by ancient Romans and Greeks to treat diabetes, has been shown to lower the blood glucose levels and the insulin levels as well as overall cholesterol levels. Bitter melon, bilberry, and grapeseed extract have been shown to benefit and strengthen the capillaries, which aids the damage to small blood vessels which is one complication that is linked to diabetes. There are many other conditions that respond favorably to natural herbs.

As you learn more about natural herbs, you will see that the majority of herbs are very safe and if your body doesn’t need what they provide, they will simply pass through your body without causing any harm. You can also substitute healthy herbs in many of your recipes in the place of less healthy ingredients to make the meals you eat much healthier. For instance, using garlic and other herbs in the place of salt or butter can be a very healthy substitution. Learning to cook with herbs can really enhance the flavor of your foods. Over time, you may find that you really prefer the flavors of the herbs you are using over the fatty or unhealthy condiments you used to use to get more flavor out of your foods.

As you can see, there are many health benefits of natural herbs that have been known for centuries. By augmenting your current healthy lifestyle with herbs that can prevent or help control illness, you can improve not only your overall health but also your quality of life.